Annual ceremony to honor SC fallen soldiers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina legislators plan to honor eight military service members who died last year while deployed overseas.

The sixth Fallen Soldiers Ceremony and luncheon for surviving family members is scheduled for noon Wednesday. The annual event hosted by Sen. Jake Knotts has honored 61 military men and women.

Those recognized this year are Army Sgt. Lashawn Evans of Columbia; Senior Airman Nicholas Alden of Williamston; Army Pfc. Kalin C.L. Johnson of Lexington; Army Pfc. Cheziray Pressley of North Charleston; Army Sgt. 1st Class Alvin Boatwright of Lodge; Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ralph Earl Pate Jr. of Mullins; Marine Staff Sgt. Thomas Dudley of Tega Cay; and Army Pfc. Justin Whitmire of Easley.

Family members will receive the Order of the Palmetto Patriot, the highest award presented by South Carolina’s lieutenant governor.